I didn’t really plan to be writing about knitted textiles in the middle of May, but what with the properly cold weather we’ve been experiencing recently that’s totally at odds with the date on the calendar, and after seeing their wonderful collection of home textiles recently, I just couldn’t wait to write about seven gauge studios. In fact, just looking at these gorgeous colours, patterns and cosy woolly textures makes me feel warmer.
Based in my home town of Nottingham, seven gauge studios is the brainchild of Joy Bates whose love of knitting goes way back; she says:
“My mum taught me how to hand knit when I was very little and then much later my dad bought me a knitting machine. I taught myself how to use it and made my dad a sweater.
Discovering I had a natural flair for pattern and colour, I quickly gained success selling my sweaters to independent retailers including Paul Smith. Later came designing knitted fabric for international design houses including Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Nicole Farhi.
In 2010 I decided it was time to start my own accessories label so seven gauge studios was born.”
Joy draws inspiration for her colour palettes and designs from a variety of sources including vintage fabrics, her ever-growing collection of old knitting patterns and mid century design.
In its manufacturing heyday, Nottingham was famous for textile production, particularly hosiery, knitwear and, probably best well-known, Nottingham lace. Joy’s work is very much part of that heritage:
“Using traditional techniques to achieve a contemporary product, I am committed to keeping manufacture within the UK – all products are designed and made by myself at my studio in Nottingham, together with the help of a small family run factory in the Midlands.”
seven gauge studios don’t have an online shop at the moment, but there’s one in the pipeline. In the meantime you can buy the home textiles plus scarves and hats online at Amara Living and Not On the High Street, and also find a list of UK bricks and mortar stockists here.
I particularly like knitted throws because they’re just like enormous scarves. We’ve got the heating turned right down because, after all, it is mid-May, but the sofa of an evening is in desperate need of a bit of extra snuggle factor right now, and one of these throws may just be the answer.
Images: seven gauge studios
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